Everything was going fine. The opening ceremony was going just as planned. A whole bunch of people were here from all over the place. I didn't really pay much attention, since I don't really care about the other nobles and people who don't have the importance they think they do. I was sitting with Shuna at a table just leisurely and calmly eating without a care in the world. Everyone was here. Milim, Carrion, Frey, Luminous, who was very obviously looking in my direction, Hinata, who I'm sure was stressing out trying to keep Luminous in check, Gazel, the kids Rimuru taught for a bit, which is kind of simple how they got here. Rimuru told me he sent a letter to the new teacher that he chose to watch over them, and the teacher agreed. I think officially, it's a field trip for a "learning experience". And it wouldn't be completely wrong depending on how they spent their time.
Anyway, I was waiting for…what's her name again? Elmesia? Yeah, I was waiting for Elmesia to arrive. I kind of forgot, considering that before this opening ceremony, I got kind of distracted. It's a good thing Shuna can work fast. Anyway, Elmesia will be here in just a moment. I can sense her fast approaching.
3
2
1
And….there.
A slight tremble shook the place and everyone started freaking out. Me? I went on like normal. I just got more food and kept eating. There were better things to do at the moment and more important things to focus on.
"Hey, Shuna, I'm going to go get drinks, Do you want anything?"
"No, thank you." Shuna was also calm. I have no doubt she didn't sense Elmesia coming, and when she sees me acting like it's nothing, then it's nothing to worry about.
"Alright, I'll be right back."
I went to the bar and ordered some whiskey for myself.
"Hey, Artoria, you mind if I join you?" Luminous. I didn't even have to turn around to know who it was, and Hinata was also there.
"Luminous, you do know that doesn't apply in this situation, right? I'm literally about to leave." I didn't even turn around to talk to her. I don't want to be rude with my words, so I'll just show her with my actions that I don't want a relationship with her. They say actions speak louder than words, after all.
"Oh, come on, just a few minutes."
"No."
The bartender came back with my drink, A nice glass of whiskey. I grabbed it and started to leave. But of course, Luminous wouldn't give up that easily. She grabbed my shoulder, trying to stop me from leaving.
"Please, at least a few words."
I just sighed and turned around. "Alright, make it quick."
"So, I know you're married, and this whole thing is a celebration of it." That honestly should just be the end of the conversation. "But I keep thinking of you. No matter what I do, all I think about is you."
That sounds a bit familiar. Wait, aren't those the lyrics to that one song? What was it called again? I know this.
"...So what can I do?"
Hmm, what did she say? It seems I was a bit caught up in my mind. I need to think of something. Oh, I know. "Come here, Luminous." I walked back to the bar and signaled the bartender to open a "special bottle", but I only stood and didn't sit down. Luminous enthusiastically and excitedly went and sat down.
"Alright, Luminous, let me show you a specialty drink you'll only find here. Make sure to turn down your resistance as much as you can."
The bartender came over and poured us a glass of some liquor. And oh man, the smell was something else. I saw Hinata get a handkerchief and put it over her nose. She was obviously looking scared at what I was going to drink.
"Alright, Luminous, this is one of the more special things here. Once we drink this, we can talk." I grabbed the glass and started drinking. Luminous followed me, and I could immediately see her wince. I took a regular sip, but she drank it down all in one go as if it was a shot glass.
"Oh, you're not supposed to do that."
Luminous started coughing wildly, even as she tried to hold it back. "What was that?"
"That right there was pure corn liquor. It could probably kick-start a fighter jet. So, what do you think, Luminous?" I looked over and Luminous seemed out of it. Slowly, but surely, she started falling over before Hinatat caught her. It's a good thing my plan worked.
I got up and just patted Hinata on the shoulder. "Take care of her." Hinata simply nodded as she started taking her away.
Finally, I could go back to Shuna.
/\\//\\//\
"You took longer than what I thought you would."
"Well, Luminous got in my way. Don't worry, I took care of it. So, what happened?"
"Well, Elmesia showed up and people started flocking to her to try and talk to her. It's so obvious what they're trying to do. Why aren't you going to her? Isn't this a good time to establish a connection?."
"Well, this whole event is about us, Shuna. And it's not like this is going to be the only chance I have to talk to her. There will be other opportunities." I looked over and surprisingly enough, she was sitting with Rimuru. They were talking while she ignored everyone or more like her guards were driving everyone away. Rimuru was talking with her and she was laughing and had a hand over her face.
.
.
.
Hold on. Rimuru is making her laugh? Do my eyes deceive me? Well, would you look at that?
Actually, nah, wait, it can't be that. Elmesia is probably playing along or messing with him. Ah, whatever, not my business. Just let it be.
"Is this thing almost over, Shuna?"
"You're being a little impatient, Artoria. What makes you feel that way?" I looked at Shuna, and seemingly against my will, my eyes looked her up and down. The way her dress clung to her, the way her hair was done, her smooth and flawless skin. Gods above, I need to be careful not to get carried away with her. I had to clear my throat and lick my lips when they were getting dry.
"Oh, it's nothing, Shuna." My dragon side is acting up again and there's only so much that food can distract me. Just be patient, Artoria, just be patient. They say patience is a virtue or something like that. Delayed gratification over immediate gratification and whatnot.